Tag: World Cup 2023

LONDON: The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed confidence that the Pakistan cricket team will travel to India for playing the upcoming World Cup after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) subjected its participation to government clearance, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

In a statement to an Indian news agency, an ICC spokesperson pointed out that Pakistan has a signed participation agreement to compete and the world governing body “100 percent expects them to be there”.

“All members have to abide by the rules and the laws of their country and we respect that. But we’re confident Pakistan will be in India for the men’s ODI World Cup,” an ICC spokesperson said.

However, a PCB official said, the country’s participation in the World Cup and playing in Ahmedabad on October 15 or in Mumbai “if we qualify for semi-finals will all be dependent on government clearance.”

The PCB official said the government has not yet issued any NOC to the PCB to travel to India and since it was a sensitive issue, the Board can only move forward after getting clear directives from its government.

“We have already informed the ICC that our participation in the tournament or any issues over venues is linked to firstly the PCB getting clearance from the government to travel to India,” the official said.

It is worth mentioning here that the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the anticipated schedule of the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday.

As per the ICC-released schedule, a total of 10 teams will participate in the mega event – featuring 45 matches – and compete for the prestigious silverware across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19.

Like the previous edition, the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 will also be played in a round-robin format – each team playing nine matches with the rest of the opponents.

The top four teams by the end of the group stage will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled to be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16.

Whereas, the final of the tournament will take place on November 19 at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Notably, all three knockout matches of the ICC Men’s World Cup will have a reserve day.

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Former Pakistan captain and legendary pacer Wasim Akram expressed his hope for a good show from the national cricket team in the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup in India.

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram lauded the national team’s abilities in the limited-over format and also praised Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam, terming him a modern great.

“We have a good side…a very good one-day side and are led by one of the modern-day greats in Babar Azam,” Wasim told the ICC.

“As long as they are fit and as long as they play according to the plan, they will have a chance of doing well in that World Cup because it is played in our type of conditions in India on the sub-continent.

“I think he can [get better] as he is the best player we have.

“The whole country follows him, everything he does. He gets people into the stadium and it doesn’t matter whether it is T20, one-dayers or Test cricket and, in my opinion, he has the most beautiful cover drive in the world.”

It is worth mentioning here that the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the anticipated schedule of the Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 earlier today.

As per the ICC-released schedule, a total of 10 teams will participate in the mega event – featuring 45 matches – and compete for the prestigious silverware across 10 venues from October 5 to November 19.

Like the previous edition, the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 will also be played in a round-robin format – each team playing nine matches with the rest of the opponents.

The top four teams by the end of the group stage will qualify for the semi-finals, scheduled to be held in Mumbai on November 15 and in Kolkata on November 16.

Whereas, the final of the tournament will take place on November 19 at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Notably, all three knockout matches of the ICC Men’s World Cup will have a reserve day.

READ: Pakistan vs India set for October 15 as ICC announces World Cup schedule

The fixtures list for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India has been released along with the 10 venues for the mega event that will span across 46 days, later this year.

The event will kick off on October 5 with a repeat of the 2019 Final as England take on New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

A total of 10 teams will participate in the event, the first eight having already qualified through the Cricket World Cup Super League. The final two spots will be determined at the end of the CWC Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which concludes on July 9.

Each team plays the other nine in a round-robin format with the top four qualifying for the knockout stage and semi-finals.

Pakistan vs India

The much-awaited Pakistan vs India encounter will take place in Ahmedabad on Sunday, October 15 and will be the eighth meeting between the two sides at a men’s World Cup.

India and Pakistan have faced each other seven times previously – in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2003, 2011, 2015 and 2019. The last time these teams met in the 50-over World Cup was in 2019 at Old Trafford.

Knockout Stages

The first semi-final will be held on Wednesday, November 15 in Mumbai and the second semi-final will be held the following day in Kolkata. Both semi-finals will have a reserve day.

The Final will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19 with November 20 slated as the reserve day.

Tournament Venues

There will be a total of 10 venues – Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Dharamsala, Delhi, Chennai, Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram in addition to Hyderabad will host the warm-up matches from 29 September to 3 October.

Pakistan’s schedule for ICC World Cup 2023:

October 12 – vs Qualifier in Hyderabad

October 15 – vs India in Ahmedabad

October 20 – vs Australia in Bengaluru

October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai

October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai

October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata

November 5 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru

November 12 – vs England in Kolkata

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The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour 2023 has been launched on a stratospheric scale, giving fans around the world a unique opportunity to interact with the coveted trophy, ahead of the marquee event in India.

The Trophy Tour will begin on June 27 in India, travel around the globe and then return to the host nation on September 4.

The prestigious silverware will reach Pakistan on August 31 for a five-day tour and will depart on July 4 to Sri Lanka.

The Tour was launched in spectacular fashion, with the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy being launched into the stratosphere, 120,000 feet above the earth, before making a stunning landing at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad.

This was achieved after the trophy was attached to a bespoke stratospheric balloon, and some stunning shots were captured of the trophy sitting on the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere from 4k cameras.

The 2023 edition of the Trophy Tour will be the biggest by far, giving the fans a chance to connect with the coveted piece of silverware in various countries and cities around the globe.

Starting on June 27, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy will travel to 18 countries around the world, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Malaysia, USA, Nigeria, Uganda, France, Italy, the United States of America and the host country India.

The first full-scale Trophy Tour since 2019, the 2023 edition will provide cricket fans around the globe with a chance to recreate the celebratory and carnival atmosphere witnessed during the marquee event.

Through innovative activations and events in different countries, the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Trophy Tour will provide a chance to one million fans to have their own personal interactions with the coveted piece of silverware.

On the launch of the Trophy Tour, ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said, “The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour is an important milestone in the countdown to what will be the biggest ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup ever. This Tour will see the iconic silverware meet heads of states, launch community initiatives and support cricket development programmes in addition to visiting some of the most iconic landmarks around the globe.

“Cricket has more than a billion fans and we want to give as many people as possible the opportunity to get up close to this famous trophy that has been held aloft by some of the greatest legends of our sport.”

BCCI Secretary Jay Shah added, “Cricket unites India like no other sport and excitement is building across the country as we prepare to host the 10 best teams in the world over six weeks of heart-stopping cricket.

“As we countdown to the World Cup, the Trophy Tour is a fantastic chance for fans to be part of the event wherever they are. The Tour will travel extensively across India and seek to inspire communities to share the excitement of cricket’s greatest spectacle, while providing an opportunity to showcase iconic venues, cities and landmarks throughout the country.”

Complete schedule of the Trophy Tour: 

27 June – 14 July: India

15 – 16 July: New Zealand

17 – 18 July: Australia

19 – 21 July: Papua New Guinea

22 – 24 July: India

25 – 27 July: USA

28 – 30 July: West Indies

31 July – 4 August: Pakistan

5 – 6 August: Sri Lanka

7 – 9 August: Bangladesh

10 – 11 August: Kuwait

12 – 13 August: Bahrain

14 – 15 August: India

16 – 18 August: Italy

19 – 20 August: France

21 – 24 August: England

25 – 26 August: Malaysia

27 – 28 August: Uganda

29 – 30 August: Nigeria

31 August – 3 September: South Africa

From 4 September: India

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New Zealand captain Kane Williamson on Monday, provided an update on his recovery from the knee injury ahead of the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India, expressing his hope to be back in time.

Williamson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee while fielding for Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League match earlier this month and underwent surgery.

Following the gruelling injury, Kane Williamson was seen walking on crutches after returning to New Zealand.

However, the Kiwi captain is now on the road to recovery and is desperately hoping to make his way back to the national side at the earliest.

“Very much just trying to keep it week-to-week at the moment,” Williamson said.

“I haven’t had such a long-term injury before but talking to other people that have, the journey is a bit of a long one so if you look too far ahead, it probably can become a little bit daunting.”

Typically, the injury takes around six-month rehabilitation and Kane Williamson acknowledged that he is not forcing it ahead of time and claimed to be taking it on a week-to-week basis.

“Whereas, one week at a time, ticking off those small markers, those little wins that are nice to experience. But also knowing that the journey won’t be completely smooth and you have a few setbacks along the way that you have to navigate,” Williamson added.

Kane Williamson, who led New Zealand to the inaugural World Test Championship victory and has 6554 ODI runs, at an average of 47.83, under his belt, said he is keen to get back in the nets.

“Probably more for sanity and changing things up… just nice to mix up all the gym work and the physio work and rehab specific stuff to spend a bit of time with some of the other guys that are training,” he said. “Super keen to get back in the nets, for sure.”

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Pakistan’s right-arm pacer Hasan Ali expressed his hope of making a cut to the national squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India.

Hasan Ali, in an interview with a local news outlet, shared that he does not feel to be a part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) white-ball plans but expressed his hope in securing a spot in Pakistan’s squad for the World Cup by giving exceptional performances.

“I’m playing for Birmingham Bears in the T20 Blast tournament. I’m trying hard to do well, to become the best bowler for my team and make sure that my performance contributes towards my team’s victories,” said Hasan Ali.

“And if national selectors and Pakistan’s team management feel that they are happy with my performance they might consider me for the World Cup,” he added.

The right-arm pacer acknowledged that it is the dream of every player to represent their country in a World Cup before asserting that he knows how to win trophies as he has valuable experience playing in the ICC tournaments.

“It is a dream of every cricketer to represent their country in the World Cup and win trophies for the country. And I know how to win trophies as I’ve a good deal of experience of playing in ICC tournaments,” Hasan asserted.

Hasan Ali’s brilliant campaign in the ongoing County Championship bolstered him to retain himself in the Test squad for the two-match series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 28.

The right-arm pacer took 22 wickets in four matches and is currently the 11th leading wicket-taker of the competition. He also scored two half-centuries in his brief five-match stint.

“I’m really looking forward to it as I want to play for Pakistan. I have been trying to do well in county matches and gain my rhythm. Whether it’s domestic cricket in Pakistan, any T20 league or the county championship my job is to perform,” he said.

“So far, I’m very happy with my performance in the county championship. I’m a professional cricketer and setup here is very professional too. I’ve a very good understanding with coaches and management and they are also satisfied with my performance.

“Before arriving here, I had a very detailed discussion with the Warwickshire CCC’s management on how to manage my workload and so far, they have done it exceptionally well,” Hasan Ali concluded.

It is worth mentioning here that Pakistan will start their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 campaign with an away series against Sri Lanka, which is likely to commence on July 16.

As per the ICC-released WTC schedule, Pakistan will play 14 matches against numerous teams over the course of a two-year period.

The Green Shirts will play six series – three home and three away – during their WTC campaign.

Pakistan will take on England, West Indies and Bangladesh in their own backyard while they will face some serious challenges in the away series against reigning champions Australia and South Africa.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc & wk), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi and Shan Masood.

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LAHORE: Pakistan wicketkeeper batter Zulqarnain Haider expressed his desire to play the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup in India and propel his side to glory.

Zulqarnain Haider, in an interview with a local news outlet here, shared that he wants to end his cricketing career by playing a World Cup and winning it for his country.

“As I said earlier, it is my ultimate to play at least one world cup regardless of what happens. I would work hard for it and by the will of Almighty Allah I’ll win it for the team,” said Haider.

“And after that, I will bid farewell to cricket,” he added.

The wicketkeeper batter also spoke on his competition with Pakistan’s first-choice wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, who is among runs since making his return to the national team and is currently the second-ranked T20I batter, Zulqarnain stated that anyone can get an opportunity.

“Look, all the wicketkeepers are alike so whoever performs will play in the national team. Like Mohammad Rizwan did not perform in the World Cup and got dropped for the next couple of series, some new wicketkeepers were given a chance after they performed well in the PSL but they could not perform at the international level because the pressure is different,” said Zulqarnain Haider.

“So, that’s why I believe anyone can get an opportunity at any time. If Rizwan does not perform in the Asia Cup and I managed to perform in domestic cricket and become the best wicketkeeper then it would be my right to be selected and play and I will play with all my will,” he added.

Zulqarnain Haider also provided an update regarding his fitness, notably, the wicketkeeper batter suffered a severe abdominal infection and underwent surgery, which resulted in stagnating his health and financial conditions.

It is pertinent to mention here that Zulqarnain Haider represented Pakistan in eight international matches from 2007 to 2010 before putting a controversial end to his brief career as he left the national team overnight during the Dubai tour.

READ: IPC issues NOC to PFF for SAFF Championship in India

HOUSTON: Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed expressed his hope for Pakistan to win this year’s ICC Men’s World Cup in India.

Sarfaraz while addressing a private ceremony here recalled Pakistan’s last major ICC title victory – Champions Trophy 2017 – and termed it a memorable moment for all the players before expressing his hope that the green shirts will lift another trophy soon.

“Winning the Champions Trophy in 2017 was a great moment for all the players. I’m hopeful that we will be able to win another mega event in the near future,” he said.

Sarfaraz Ahmed also shared the most memorable moments of his decorated career and named the two tournaments in which he led Pakistan to the summit.

“Winning the U19 World Cup and Champions Trophy is among the most memorable moments of my career,” said Sarfaraz.

The former Pakistan captain also revealed the relationship between Pakistan and India players despite their bitter rivalry on the field.

“The relationship between India and Pakistani players has always been good. We used to play each other often in the past which improved the relationship between the players,” Sarfaraz said.

Sarfaraz Ahmed then went on to reveal his role model in cricket before naming the current inspiration for the cricketers.

“Moin Khan was my role model when I started playing cricket,” he said.

“These days MS Dhoni is an inspiration for many cricketers around the world,” he concluded.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is considered one of the most successful Pakistan captains. The Green Shirts won many accolades during his captaincy. He is the only Pakistani captain to have won two ICC trophies — the Champions Trophy and U19 World Cup.

Under his captaincy, Pakistan also won 11 consecutive T20I series and got hold of the top spot in the T20I rankings for two years.

READ: Shahid Afridi among Pakistan players roped in for Canada’s Global T20 League

WELLINGTON: New Zealand’s in-form all-rounder Michael Bracewell has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup 2023 in India due to an injury.

According to the details, Michael Bracewell ruptured his right Achilles while batting for the Worcestershire Rapids in the English T20 Blast.

Bracewell will undergo surgery in the UK on Thursday before beginning a lengthy rehabilitation which will rule him out of the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup in India this October-November.

New Zealand coach Gary Stead said it was a big blow for Bracewell and the team.

“Firstly, you always feel for the player when injury strikes and especially when it means they will have to miss a world event,” Stead said.

“Michael’s a great team man and has had a fantastic 15 months for the BLACKCAPS since his international debut.

“We’ve seen his exceptional skills in all three facets of the game and he was shaping as an important player for us at the world cup in India.

“Michael’s naturally pretty disappointed, but also pragmatic in acknowledging that injuries are a part of sport and he’s now turning his focus to his rehabilitation.”

Michael Bracewell’s injury is another massive blow to New Zealand’s World Cup preparations as the last edition’s runners-up are already without their full-time skipper Kane Williamson, who suffered a serious knee injury during the Indian Premier League.

Williamson ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, revealed the scans. He then underwent surgery after the swelling reduced.

Williamson landed awkwardly in the opening match of the tournament between Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings. The injury ruled him out of the entire IPL season this year.

However, the 32-year-old’s absence would be a major blow for his national side. The right-hander has scored more than 6000 ODI runs at an average of 47.83 in 161 ODI matches.

Under his captaincy, New Zealand finished as runner-up in the last edition of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup in 2019. They lost to England in the epic final that went down to Super Over with the host eventually lifting the trophy on boundary count.

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LAHORE: Head coach Grant Bradburn expressed his hope to guide the Pakistan national men’s cricket team to the top ranking in all formats, World Cup glory and World Test Championship (WTC) Final.

While speaking to the media on the sideline of the specialised camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), Grant Bradburn revealed what he wants to achieve as the head coach of the Pakistan team.

“We want to become the No.1 side in all formats, we want to win World Cup this year and to play the next World Test Championship Final is our target,” said Bradburn.

“For this, we need to improve in every department and would have to play more matches. But it’s the task of the PCB and they are working on it,” he added.

Grant Bradburn also commented on the ongoing specialised camp and predicted its optimal outcomes before terming it as a great opportunity to improvise their skills.

“It is a great opportunity for us to prepare. The players can further improve their skills in this camp,” stated Bradburn.

“It is a specialised camp for the spinners so it would be our prime goal to bring talented spinners to the limelight. It would also benefit the batters as they will be able to play against spinners.

“We are going to make many experiences in this camp,” Bradburn added.

Head coach Grant Bradburn further opined regarding Abid Ali’s participation in the ongoing camp and is confident for the latter’s comeback.

“Abid Ali is a good cricketer. He has a decent Test average,” said Bradburn. “He is looking fit and can make a comeback,” Bradburn added.

Bradburn then went on to respond to a query regarding leg-spinner Yasir Shah and confirmed that he is still part of the plan and can also make a comeback.

“Yasir Shah is definitely part of the plan. We will not leave out any of our players and will try to give everyone the opportunity. So yeah, every player can return,” he concluded.

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